Steven Gerrard has warned Rafa Benitez to keep Cristiano Ronaldo onside if he wants to stay at Real Madrid.

Despite a vote of confidence from Real president Florentino Perez earlier this week, Benitez’s job remains in jeopardy.

There is discontentment among the club’s fans with the Spaniard’s defensively-minded style of play.

Ronaldo enjoyed a good relationship with Benitez’s predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti. But is said to want out if Benitez stays.

Liverpool legend Gerrard said of his former Anfield boss: “Rafa’s a good manager. I just wonder what his relationship is like with his big players in the dressing room. It looks a bit broken at the moment from the outside.”

Tension: Benitez and Cristiano Ronaldo are not on the same page at Real Madrid (Photo: Reuters)

Gerrard revealed earlier this season that his own relationship with Benitez was “the most distant” he has had with any manager during his career - despite winning the Champions League and the FA under the 55-year-old.

Benitez also fell out with Chelsea legend John Terry during his time at Stamford Bridge, where he lifted the Europa League trophy.

He was also sacked by Inter Milan after falling out with key members of the squad that had clinched the Treble - including the Champions League - under Jose Mourinho just months earlier.